Preliminary protocols for assessing habitat values of urban estuarine shorelines using colonization devices

Abstract

These protocols were developed as a standard way to measure the habitat quality of urban shorelines, to serve the purposes of both establishing baselines and measuring change. The protocols enable comparison between conventional and emerging shoreline stabilization techniques in urban areas, so that in the future: 1) we may better understand the habitat quality associated with conventional techniques; 2) better understand the habitat quality associated with emerging techniques as they are implemented; and 3) therefore, better understand the ecological benefits associated with implementing alternative, ecologically-enhanced techniques of shoreline stabilization in urban areas.